Hong Xia was a straightforward person, saying little more than advising Lin He to be careful on the road. Then, Granny Zhao also paid a visit; though she brought nothing, she did inquire after Lin He’s well-being. After lunch, Lin He set off for the town amidst the reluctant farewells of her large family.

When Lin He’s carriage arrived in front of the pastry shop, Da Bao and Wen Ningxuan hurried out. Da Bao even brought others to unload the luggage from the carriage. It wasn’t surprising that Da Bao was waiting for Lin He here; this was the time he usually arrived if he planned to come to town in the afternoon. What surprised Lin He, however, was that Wen Ningxuan also seemed to know she would arrive at this exact time, as he was waiting there too.

After everything was moved to the back courtyard, Da Bao asked, “So much luggage—did Mother pack all this? Are you planning to take it all with you?” Da Bao frowned slightly as he looked at the pile of things in the yard.

Lin He managed a helpless smile. “You know Mother. If I didn’t let her pack, she’d have so much to say. I probably won’t be able to carry this much on the journey. Zi Yu and I only need to take some clothes; we’ll leave the rest here. Look at all this food—it won’t last more than a few days on the road.”

“He’er, your aunt packed these for you; you should take them along. The food on the road isn't good, and I imagine your aunt worried about that. If you truly can’t fit it all, we can arrange for another carriage. Besides, I’m bringing a few extra people this time,” Wen Ningxuan said.

Lin He surveyed the large mound of belongings and said, “No need. I can’t carry that much anyway. Big Brother, please have these provisions sorted out and used in the shop.” As she spoke, Lin He and Zi Yu began organizing things. In the end, Lin He cleared out nearly half the items, leaving behind anything that wasn’t strictly necessary. Out on the road, practicality would dictate everything.

Da Bao and Wen Ningxuan chatted nearby. Da Bao asked, “Ningxuan, when are you planning to leave? You must still have many things to arrange over there.”

“Yes, there are quite a few matters. I’ll leave tomorrow; we can’t delay. It’s best to finish everything before the New Year, so He’er won’t have to make such a long journey next year,” Wen Ningxuan replied.

Hearing that Wen Ningxuan was leaving the next day, Da Bao initially thought it was too sudden. However, given Wen Ningxuan’s reasoning—to complete everything in one go so Lin He wouldn't have to go next year (since she would certainly return for the New Year anyway)—it seemed reasonable and would save a lot of trouble.

“Then it’s fine for you to leave early. I’ll trouble you to look after He’er on the journey. She’s just a young woman, not used to traveling much. If there’s anything she finds unfamiliar, you must watch over her carefully,” Da Bao said after some thought.

Wen Ningxuan nodded, his gaze fixed on Lin He’s silhouette. “You all rest assured; I will take good care of her.”

Da Bao smiled. “We are certainly at ease.” He glanced over at Lin He as he spoke.

Lin He was busy sorting items nearby, paying little attention to their conversation, only sensing that their chat sounded quite pleasant. She mused that Wen Ningxuan, who seemed unapproachable at first glance, was actually getting along quite well with Da Bao and the others.

Wen Ningxuan stayed for a while that afternoon, telling Lin He what she might need to buy so they could go together that day, as they planned to depart early the next morning and wouldn’t have time for shopping. After giving instructions, he left, likely having many arrangements to finalize on his end as well.

In truth, there wasn't much specifically needed. Lin He entrusted the smaller, miscellaneous tasks to Zi Yu. While in the pastry shop, Lin He chatted with Da Bao, who asked, “Have you settled everything at home? Is there anything you need me to look after?”

“I’ve left everything at home to Zi Qing. If you have time, please visit often. Help me check the accounts at the ointment workshop and check in on Father, Mother, and the younger siblings frequently; they all look forward to you coming back,” Lin He requested.

Da Bao nodded and spoke with Lin He for a few more moments before heading to the front of the shop, telling her to rest well. The coming days of travel would surely be arduous. Lin He leaned back on the lounge chair in the courtyard for a while, but sleep wouldn't come. For some reason, she felt an overwhelming sense that things were unsettled, as if many events might unfold at home while she was away. She thought for a long time but still couldn't sleep. Lin He felt a touch of resignation; perhaps after years of worrying constantly, letting go of those responsibilities all at once was proving difficult.

As Lin He pondered these matters, she saw Xiao Jun walking toward the back courtyard. Lin He smiled at him. Xiao Jun was about the same age as her. Boys grew taller much faster; he used to be about her height, but now he towered over her by nearly a head. Xiao Jun was well-mannered and always kind to people; he had been working for Lin He’s family for several years.

Initially, he worked in the family’s ointment workshop. Later, when the family hired more maids, Lin He felt it wasn't appropriate for a boy to spend all his time amongst the serving girls. Since the pastry shop needed staff, she arranged for Xiao Jun to come here and work with Da Bao.

Over the years, Xiao Jun had matured considerably and learned things from Da Bao. When Da Bao wasn't around, Xiao Jun was essentially in charge of the pastry shop. He wasn't exceptionally brilliant, but he was diligent and honest, making him trustworthy to oversee the shop. Moreover, Xiao Jun seemed content with his life here. When Lin He asked him several times, he only mentioned missing his grandfather; otherwise, everything was fine.

Seeing that Lin He wasn't asleep, Xiao Jun walked over to her side and asked, “He’er, when do you plan to return after leaving tomorrow?”

“It’s hard to say; it might be several months at the earliest. During these months I’m gone, you must help my brother manage this shop diligently. If he needs to go out or returns home, you must help him keep a close eye on things. I’ll give you a holiday when I return next year,” Lin He instructed with a light smile.

“I know. I’m used to these responsibilities; it’s no trouble. You should be careful, though, traveling alone as a young woman,” Xiao Jun replied.

“Mmm, I know. When you were leaving, your grandfather asked about you. Make sure to visit him often when you have time; he’s getting old.”

Xiao Jun nodded, sat there for a moment, and then went back to his tasks.

Lin He remembered when Xiao Jun first came to their home, just a few years old, timid and quiet. In the blink of an eye, he had grown into such a young man. Alas, she herself had been here for six years now. Time flew by so quickly—it felt as if it had only been six months—yet she had transformed from a child into an adult. When she first arrived, despite the family’s poverty, there weren't as many complications as there were now. She didn't know why, but while life seemed to improve day by day, worries had increased. Perhaps it was true that the older one grew, the more troubles followed.